1957 The Race: the Muntz Jet vs the Chrysler 300

After writing the stories about George Coleman, Jr. I cannot go on without sharing another one of George's influences in our lives in Miami. Both George and my dad loved to race cars and play golf. The early 1950's green Oldsmobile that dad bought when we arrived in Miami in 1954 came from George Coleman. That car alone, made many fast from Miami, Oklahoma to Santa Anita, California, where dad and his country club crew would play in a golf tournament then drive home. In the early days, it was Dr. Robert Baron who rode shotgun, later Doc Jackson was a regular. The shotgun driver had the responsibly of keeping an eye out for the Highway Patrol.  

Mad Man Muntz caricature on Steering Wheel

<https://www.mecum.com/lots/CA0815-219801/1952-muntz-jet-convertible/>
 

In 1957 Johnie bought The Muntz from Lou Newell, who at that time owned Sky Ranch and a famous stud horse named Johnny Dial  Lou had bought the car in Indianapolis. (Contrary to rumors this car was not a pace car for the Indianapolis 500, as reported in my childhood.)

The car was made in 1951 by Mad Man Muntz. In the late 1940's a nationally known race car wizard, Frank Kurtis, who eventually developed a number of Indianapolis 500 winners, designed and built about 20 aluminum-bodied two-seater sports cars. Kurtis, however, lacked production resources, so Muntz stepped in and bought the manufacturing right. Muntz redesigned the car that was soon dubbed the Muntz Jet. He stretched the wheelbase, put in a back seat, replaced the Ford engines with Cadillac V-8's, added padded dashboards and seat belts, painted the cars in bright Easter egg colors, and even installed liquor and ice cabinets. (Our center console  held beer, but I don't recall that it was a liquor cabinet, merely space between the bucket seats, where mom and dad could hide their beers on the way to Minnie and Milts Dinner Restaurant in Joplin.) 

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/355937-1951-muntz-jet/

 

 

Bob Hill retold this story recently. Your dad must have bought the car in 1956, and it was well known to be one of the fastest cars on the road with a Cadillac V-8 engine. Bob and his buddies heard a rumor that George Coleman, Jr. had challenged Johnie to a race. The Will Rogers Turnpike was not open to traffic in the spring of 1957, but the road was open and cleared for traffic. The holdup being the finishing touches on the Glass House over the turnpike near Vinita. 

George Coleman, Jr. bought a new 1955 Chrysler 300 with push button transmission and decided to drive it back to Miami and challenge his golfing friend and race car buddy, Johnie Stapp, to a race between his new Chrysler 300 and the Muntz Jet. 

The two men and their fast cars arrived at the turnpike intending to race full speed from Miami to Vinita. Without proof, I am sure there was a gallery of people present to see the pro and George race.  

Bob and his buddies decided to ride their bikes to the first over pass between Miami and Vinita, so they could watch the race. By the time they arrived the race was over.

In the end, the pair never even made it Afton. The Chrysler out performed the Muntz because of the newer faster engine and the push button transmission. It was made to travel. The Muntz was a dragster and drove well on the straight out fast track. 

Shortly after the race, during my fourth grade year in school,  we moved to 209 H. N.E. where dad had a two car garage. I'm sure it was during that year 57-58 that dad bought a Chrysler push-button transmission shifter next to the steering column.  and the guys at B & B garage worked many hours to install the new engine. Dad could always be found tinkering with his car in that old garage. My sister and I spent evenings watching dad or doing our best to help and yet, stay out of the way.

Letter Series
Chrysler first introduced the 300 back in 1955, and with the debut of that high-performance 4-seater some would say the idea of the muscle car was born. Over the next 10 years, Chrysler would bring to market a range of 300s now referred to as the “letter series,” starting with that first 300 and continuing on with the 300B, 300C, 300D — a new letter every year with the final 300L in 1965. These special Chrysler's were among the fastest production cars on the road, equipped with the latest in luxury features. Other 300 models followed the letter series, but none would ever be as special as those first versions.  Chrysler 300: a Brief History

1955 Chrysler 300* 

 

Jim Taylor, son of Gob Taylor, personal memory of riding in the Muntz on Highway 66.

This event occurred with Pat Temple when Johnie took the two of us on a little ride going to Commerce and back on Highway 66. I believe this was a 1951 Muntz and was well capable of speeds in excess of 120 mph. Johnie also was an experienced race car driver and that Muntz looked hot to Pat and me. We were always asking Johnie to drive us around. Hence, he finally succumbed to giving us a ride and off we went. 

 

Rolled and pleated interior

https://www.mecum.com/lots/CA0815-219801/1952-muntz-jet-convertible/

When we got to Highway 66, we were really riding him to show us something. He did, he drove that Muntz right between two cars at 65 mph or so and he floored that Muntz and we flew through them. Scared me thoroughly as it did Pat, and we did not ask again. However, it was evident that Johnie knew well how to drive a race car. That Muntz was a state-of-the-art car in the early 1950's.

Jim Burford, son of John and Lucille Burford,shared this personal story: 

Jim told me that my dad was always his hero, not for the golf but for his racing passion. Jim became fascinated with how dad modified engines, like the Muntz, to go flat out 160 down the turnpike or late night roads like the one that connected Ben Stanley's corner on Route 66 to the east and back to the Fairgrounds. It was a lonely dark road until the boys and men challenged each other to drag races. Once, again it was the mechanics at B&B Garage on South Main, who kept dad's car rolling along. 

Our Muntz Jet was originally a mustard color that I now see on some of the new smaller cars. The interior was also rolled and pleated mustard color leather. Later, dad painted it black, a shinny black. Next, it became baby blue and the interior was changed to match it. No matter which color the Highway Patrol found him on Route 66 or the Will Rogers Turnpike. They knew his car and his name personally. 

To me the car was always that vivid mustard color.

L.K. Newell went on to establish his now well-known Newell Coach .

L.K. Newell also was a noted Miami business man, who kept many Miami people employed over the decades:  L.K. Lou Newell, Business man

 

1955 Chrysler 300 image credit:  https://fairfieldcollectibles.com/1955-chrysler-c300-red-1-24-scale-diecast-model-by-motormax/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6_CYBhDjARIsABnuSzpW5Aao1mWieAaIsSEfU8wFPpsM_VBQZn6ZTvFpaRyJblakaAL4lHsaAmmzEALw_wcB

1958 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

 Personal photo of Mickey Wright and Johnie Stapp April, 1958 at Miami Country club.

1958 March 9 "Ladies Ready for '58 Golf Activities" 

Weekly golf competition for members of the Miami Ladies Golf assn. will resume Wednesday at the Miami club, weather permitting. Officers for the year are: Mrs.W.L. Oliver, President; Mrs. Ed Badger, secretary, and Mrs. Lee Adkinson, treasurer.

1958 March 30  "Spring Fashion Festival Feature at Country Club"

Decorations appropriate to the Easter season set the theme for the Women's Division luncheon and spring fashion festival Thursday at the Miami Country club. Center of interest at the officer's table was an Easter egg tree and tiny birds made by Mrs. Bert Wall.

Mrs. William L. Oliver, commented on fashions offered by Ramsay's and Hub Clothing Co. Modeling the spring fashions were Mrs. Tracy G. Wright, Mrs. Henry Garwood, Miss Katie Murphy, Mrs. Kelso Berentz, Mrs.Charles Stansell, and Mrs. A.L. Commons. Door prizes were won by Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Bill Carter, and Mrs. Warren Wilbur.

Bridge and canasta rounded out the social afternoon. Winner of the bridge prizes were Mrs. Albert Jackson, Mrs. Clarence Carselowey, Mrs. A.J. Poleet, Mrs. Orville Dahl, Mrs. A.L. Commons and Mrs. G.R. Hill. Mrs. Robert Reavis, Mrs. Emma Bayliss, Mrs. H.M. Kreiger and Mrs. R.E. Holland won the canasta awards.  

1958 April 13 "High School Golfers"

The Harding team, a pre-tournament favorite, took home the four-man team trophy with a combined low score of 318 on 18 holes of medal play. Miami War Dogs finished second with 323, followed by Bristow, Cascia Hall and Edison. Bob Hill was low for the local team and third low for the tournament with a 37-40=77. The other Miami scores were Dick Neel, 39-49=88; Philip Temple, 38-41=79, and James Emery, 38-41=79.
 

1958 April 27 "Mickey Wright to Conduct Golf Clinic Here on May 2"

Mickey Wright, one of the nation's finest golfers, will present a clinic at 1:30. The class is open to the public. Wright, a member of Wilson Sporting Gods is one of the longest drivers in the women's professional division. She turned pro in 1954 and ranked 12th among the leading money winners in women's professional golf 

(Personal Note) This event was one of the biggest events of my childhood, because dad asked my 5th grade teacher if I could miss school for a few hours. With a grudging consent, Miss Garman, said "Yes." What I honestly remember is having lunch with Mickey Wright and my parents at the Miami Hotel where the dinning room served it's meal on pink linen tablecloths. She was so gracious and kind to us and to the gallery who came out that afternoon to watch her exhibition. She never quit smiling. 

Mickey Wright and Johnie Stapp, standing on old Number 9 tee box with hole 7 tee box in background. Thank you Bob Hill for showing me the power lines in the background as the clue to the setting.

 

***

Miami high school golfers, winners of second place Tuesday with a 482 in the annual invitational tournament at Bristow, will compete Thursday against Kansas schoolboy teams on the municipal course at Coffeyville. Bob Hill carded a 116 to take top honors for Coach Bill Smith's Miami team. Dick Neel was just a stroke behind at 117. Phil Temple shot a 121 and James Emery 128.

1958  UPGRADING the Sand Traps (bunkers) 

Roger McCollum recalls that Johnie must have gone to play Southern Hills in a PGA qualifier. Upon his return he made the decision to take our old flat sand traps, that members rather liked because they could putt out of them, and upgrade them to deep bunkers that required a sand wedge and new golf skills to hit the ball out of the deep traps.

Within a couple of weeks the bunkers were lowered (deepened). They all had a foot to foot and half faces on them now. Oh, how the membership howled about that!. But to this day, I credit your dad for teaching me how to get out of the deep bunkers with GREAT success. 

Letty's personal memory of this event: I vividly recall watching my dad one day take a shovel to the south side sand trap on number nine hole. The fairway broke to the right and two sand traps were there to catch out rolling golf balls. Dad dug and dug on that facing. Over a few days he and the greens keeper placed a metal front to protect the wall, and lined it with wooden slates (that may have been railroad ties). Then the sand trap was extended outward. It became a bear in my lifetime.

I can even recall, thanks to Roger's memory, that the next few holes to have sand traps enlarged and deepened were hole #3 on the right and left side; hole # 5 on the right side; hole #7 on the front right; then hole # 8 on the left side. One by one over the next summer the sand traps grew in depth and width, thanks to dad's experience in Southern Hills. 

1958 May 8 WELCOME JAYCEES AND JAYCEE JANES to the BIG 1958 Junior Chamber of Commerce Convention, Miami, Oklahoma  May 9-11

1958 June 6  "Kids Golf Classes to Resume June 21"

The next golf training class for Miami youngsters will be on June 21. Classes for the next two Saturdays have been called off. Mrs. Stapp will be hospitalized this weekend and her husband will attend the National Open tournament next week in Tulsa. 

1958 June 8 "Women's Handicap Tournament"

 1958 June 8 "Southern Hills hosts National Open"

Golfdom's great as well as some of its unknowns will stage the 58th renewal of the storied National Open over the well-manicured Southern Hills Country Club next week. The excellent condition of the course, coupled with it "untricked" layout, may put in sharp focus one of the age-old arguments of golf: Will the "old guard" such as Ben Hogan and Sammy Snead, hold sway over the up and comers like Ken Venturi and Arnold Palmer. (Tommy Bolt wins the Open.)

1958 June 9  "Sputnik III"

The Pentagon's chief space scientist has conceded that the Russians may be using their giant Sputnik III to spy on the United States. But he added, "My guess is they are not." 

1958 June 16 "Robinson Medalist in Miami Tourney"

John F. Robinson, former city golf champion, won medalist honors in qualifying rounds for the annual Miami Country club championship with an even par 72. One round will be played each week in the tournament. The finals are scheduled for July 13, second by June 29 and third by July 6.

Pairings for Championship flight: 

John F. Robinson, 72, vs Ray Mantle, 82.  Dr. R.E. Baron, 79, vs George Beck, 84.

G.R. While, 78 vs Joe Blockwitz, 83.  Dr. W.D. Jackson, 81 bye

Jack Myers, 74 vs Bob Temple, 83.   Kenneth Childress, 79 vs Bill Neel, 84.

Dick Lowry, 78 vs Mac Rupp, 84.   Phillip Temple, 82, bye

Pairing for First Flight:

James Emery vs Rex Painter. Roy McDonald vs Henry Kenreigh; Charlie Trussler vs Frank Hansford; DeArmon , bye.

Pairings for Second Flight:

Woodrow Painter vs John Burford; Buck Bagby vs Wayland Kelly; Joe Thompson vs Noel Wyatt; Blaine Dahlquist, vs Harry Dean; Ted Lowry vs Al Spaulding; P.J. Stephenson vs Bob Hill; George Wojcik vs Bernie Schaff; Dr. Harry Ford, bye.

 Pairings for Third Flight:

Bill Hirsch vs Ed Badger; Earl Fisher vs Bill Medcalf; Tom Barton vs Spencer Dawson; Marion Zajic vs Darrell Kissee.  Bill Carter vs Frank LaCalf; Harry Whitaker vs Chuck Holden; Henry Garwood vs Lee Adkison; Jack Schofield, bye.

1958 June 17 "Hill, Neel Qualify for State Junior Tourney"

Bob Hill and Dick Neel, who are due to be starts on the Miami High School golf team again next season, qualified for the state Jaycee junior tournament to be held in Ponca City, June 24-26 sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Hill, who will be a junior next fall at Miami high, paced the local contestants with a 27 hole total of 39,39,40=118. 

1958 June 24 "Favorites Win in City Meet"

Leading contenders for the men's golf championship of the Miami Country club advanced in the first round of the annual tournament and will play their second matches not later than next Sunday.

Defending champion Jack Myers defeated Bob Temple, 3 and 2, and will met Bill Neel in the second round. Neel gained a default victory from Kenneth Childress of Webb City, Mo.

The Myers-Neel winner will play the survivor of the match between Dick Lowry and Phil Temple. Lowry won over McRupe of Vinita, 2 up, and Temple had a first round bye.

In the upper bracket of the championship flight, former city champion John F. Robinson advanced over Ray Mantle, 2 and 1. He is paired this week against Dr. R.E. baron, winner over George Beck, 1 up.

G.R. White had to go 19 holes before gaining a 1 up win over toe Blockwitz. His second-round opponent is Dr. W.D. Jackson, who had a first-round bye. 

FIRST FLIGHT; James Emery defeated Rex Painter; Roy McDonald shaded Harry Kenreigh; Charlie Trussler beat Frank Hansford; DeArmon of Vinita, bye.

SECOND FLIGHT John Burford beat Woodrow Painter; Buck Bagby bumped Wayland Kelly; Joe Thompson shaded Noel Wyatt; Blain Dalquist of Vinita defeated Harry Dean.

THIRD FLIGHT

Bill Hirsch downed Ed Badger; Earl Fisher edged Bill Medcalf; Tom Barton won over Sencer Dawson; Marion Zajic defeated Darrell Kissee; Bill Carter bumped Frank LaCalf; Harry Whiteaker shaded Chuck Holden; Lee Adkinson dropped Henry Garwood; Jack Schofield, bye.

1958 June 29  "Miami Fans Will Ride 'Special' to Yank Tilt in KC"

The Frisco "Mickey Mantle Special" from Tulsa to Kansas City will be boarded by a number of Miami fans when it stops here at about 8:45 this morning. some 650 riders of the train will see this afternoon's game between the New York Yankees and the Kansas city Athletics.

The game holds special interest for northeast Oklahoma fans because Mickey Mantle of Commerce is expected to play with the Yanks and Ralph Terry of Chelsea, a former Northeastern A&M student, is slated to pitch for the Athletics. 

1958 July 6  "Fireworks Show"

 Rains failed to interfere with the Fourth of July four-ball golf tournament for husband-wife teams at the Miami Country club. More than 25 entries were caught in the afternoon downpour, seven of whom drew golf balls as extra prizes for getting so wet. 

The fireworks display at the club put on by Gob Taylor, was cut short when an explosive fell into the firing area, setting off a series of displays simultaneously. Personnel in the danger area escaped injury. No fans were injured. 

Personal Memory: Carol Cowles vividly recalled sitting on the wet grass ready for an evening of fireworks when suddenly all of the fireworks began to fire at once. She said it was the  biggest fireworks show she'd ever seen, and will remember it forever. 

***

"Junior Golf"

Members of the newly-organized Junior Golf league will compete Tuesday for low putts in rounds beginning at 9 a.m. at the Miami Country club.  A business meeting will be held at 12 noon, followed by sack lunches. Practice rounds were played at he club last Tuesday with mothers accompanying the beginners on their rounds. Members of the league are between the ages of 10-15.  Pairings for Tuesday's rounds are:

Bobby Baron, Judy Fullerton, Gayle Haralson

Gretchen White, Barbara Dahl, Dianna Oliver

Barbara Blue, Carole Luttrell, Katrina White

Susan Nunn, Phyllis White, Beverly Saft

Sandra Thompson, Ann Habeger, Letty Stapp

Tommy Brown, Bill Fullerton, Bill Oliver

John Robinson, Mike Juergens, Pat Wilson, Brian Elizando

Scotty Haralson, Geoffrey Scholfield, Tommy Spaulding

Charles Dawson, Chuck Habeger, Terry Johnson

Jeff Ranger, Jerry Johnson, Joe Thompson, Stephen Moore.

**What the newspaper doesn't list are the mothers and fathers who weekly walked the two holes (old #6 and #9) for the pee wees, the first five holes for the pre-teens, and the nine to eighteen holes for the older teens. Our parents and some grandparents proudly showed up to keep our scores and to teach us golf course etiquette. My father insisted that children follow the rules of etiquette at all times. I my case, I didn't know first names of many of the women and men who were members until I'd left home and in some cases read their full names in my research. Every man was a Mister and a lady Mrs. or Miss. We were never allowed to use first names. 

1958 August 3 "Junior Golf"

Junior Golf league winner in the matches for low scores last week at the Miami Country club were: Terry Johnson, Barbara Dahl ages 14-15; Charles Dawson, Diana Oliver, ages 12-13; Billy Oliver and Letty Stapp ages 10-11. 

1958 August 17 "Mantle Gets 34th But Red Sox Win"

1958 August 31 "Mixed Foursomes in Rounds Today at Country club"

Mixed foursomes will compete on the Miami Country club golf course this afternoon:

1:00 - Claire Oliver-George Wojcik; Nancy Johnson-Dan Heyburn

1:05 -Norma Lou Jackson-Rex Painter; Mary Whitaker-Bill Juergens

1:10 - Roma Dahl-Ed Badger; Yvonne Temple-Dr. Harry Ford

1:15 - Erin Wojcik-Orville Dahl; Helen Juergens-Bill Plumlee

1:20- Millie Carter- Joe Thompson; Virginia Campbell-Bert Wall

1:25 Dorothy LaCalf-Don Johnson; Forence Dawson-Corbin Shouse

1:30 Hattie Wall-William L. Oliver; Wilma Badger-Dr. W.D. Jackson

1:35 - Mary Van Beber-Pat Campbell; Helen Jones-Bill Cartr

1:40 - Barbara Shouse-Bob Temple; Norma Nunn-Harry Whitaker

1:45 - Letah Thompson-Frank LaCalf; Betty Plumlee-Td Vernon

1:50 - Glenna Vernon-Spencer Dawson; Lois Cowles-Bob Nunn

1:55 - Grace Painter-Claud Jones; Ruth Heyburn-Hance Van Beber

2:00 - Peggy Elizando-Claude Dale; Val Dale-Joe Elizando

2:05 - Louise Spaulding-Henry Garwood; Shirley Bomford-Kelso Berentz

2:15 - Lois Garwood-Tom Bomford; Faye Berentz-Al Spaulding

1958 August 31 "Junior Golf Results"

1958 August 31 "Twilight League Sharpshooters"

1958 September 7 "Mickey Wright in Dallas Open"

Long-hitting Mickey Wright, who recently gave a clinic here, turned in her best competitive round Saturday--a 5 under par 34-33=67-to wrest the lead from Beverly Hanson at the halfway mark of the Dallas Women's Open Golf Tournament."

***

"Afton School Chief Olvey Is Invitational Tourney Medalist"

Ed Olvey new superintendent of Afton schools and the newly-elected president of the Lucky Seven athletic conference, won medalist honors Saturday in the two-day invitation golf tournament at the Miami Country Club. Old man par was the real winner in Saturday's qualifying rounds as Olvey's three-over 75 was good enough to lead the field of 55 entries. Light rain started falling on the course at 4:30 p.m., with many out-of-town contestants firing away on the final nine holes at that time. 

1958 September 14 "PGA officers"

The new officers of the Oklahoma Section of the PGA are: Joe Dahlman, Tulsa, president; Cliff Calderwood, Little Rock, Johnie Stapp, Miami, and Dwight Travis, Bartlesville, vice-presidents, and Fred Kreyer, Wichita, secretary-treasurer. 

 

October 10, 1958

1958 October 23 "34th Annual Oklahoma Section PGA Championship"

Ted Gwin, Wichita, jumped out in front of of the Annual Sectional Championship with a 65-68 over the Burneyville Golf Course. Finishing with four straight 3's, Gwin, the 1951 champion, took a two-stroke edge over Jimmie Gaunt of Oklahoma City. Gauntt is seeking an unprecedented sixth Oklahoma Section title. Other players in the field include: Labron Harris 73-69, U.C. Ferguson 72-76, Dan Langford 74-77, Johnie Stapp 76-78.